Planning, Environment and Property Newsletter - April 2016

Welcome to the Planning, Environment and Property Newsletter - April 2016

After what have been another busy few months in the world of planning, we hope that this month's newsletter will provide some fuel for debates and discussions.

First, James Burton considers the linked appeals Suffolk District Council v Hopkins Homes Ltd & SSCLG and Richborough Estates Partnership LLP v Cheshire East Borough Council & SSGLG [2016] EWCA Civ 168 as to the meaning of 'relevant policies for the supply of housing' in paragraph 49 of the NPPF. Second, Richard Harwood QC reflects upon the recent report produced by the Local Plans Expert Group to which he was appointed by the Minister for Housing and Planning, Brandon Lewis, in September 2015.

In a double bill of timely articles, John Pugh-Smith provides his thoughts on both the changing stance of the Court of Appeal on shortcomings in the heritage protection process after the Barnwell case and also the consequences of Government's decision to allow sections 106BA to BC of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to expire on 30 April 2016 without even introducing any transitional provisions, which is no doubt a decision that will have practical repercussions for developers, local authorities and practitioners alike. Finally, Jonathan Darby concludes with a brief consideration of the recent revisions to the office to residential permitted development regime.

As ever, thanks for your interest. We hope you enjoy this month's newsletter

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